Whether you have just started uni or are three years deep, chances are you’ve just got your loan and want to live like a king for a while. Do that and after about three weeks you’ll be scrapping together every spare penny just to get a pot noodle. There is a way you can live well for the entire time between loan payments without having to borrow from the bank of Mum and Dad. One-word- budgeting… Here’s a few helpful tips and hacks to help make your money last.
Use your algebra skills!
Remember in High School when you were wondering if you would ever use algebra in the ‘real world’… The time is Now! Here’s a little equation to help, because it turns out you actually NEED to know how much money you have to spend each week.
Know your freebies!
You are a student and shops know students are poor, but they also know students like to shop so they give you special offers and codes to get you to shop with them. Sign up to websites like www.myunidays.com who offer discounts in loads of shops for free like Superdrug, Topshop and Levi’s. You can even get a free McFlurry or Burger at McDonalds when you buy a meal!
ALWAYS look for a cheaper or free alternative!
This is a very simple thing people always overlook. Basically, never use a cash machine that charges, there is always a free one within walking distance. Take reusable coffee cups to cafes, Costa, Pret and Starbucks offer discounts if you take your own cup AND you’re helping the environment, so you can feel good about yourself on two counts.
You may also want to consider getting a 16-25 railcard if you use the trains regularly, it can save you a third on rail fares.
There is FREE money out there!
This one may seem like a bit of a myth, but if you are a student there are multiple grants, bursaries and scholarships available for you to apply for. They are dependent on your circumstances so there is no guarantee they apply to you, but there is no harm in applying because at the end of the day you could end up with free money!
For more information click here: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/fees-and-funding
Use your Students' Union!
Did you know Coffee Union has a different deal everyday including 20% off all cakes on a Wednesday? Or that all drinks are 20% off in Hideout on Wednesdays? Or even that you can win drinks vouchers at the pub quiz on Monday and the bingo on Tuesdays? There is also the Student Advice Centre upstairs that can help out with any budgeting issues you may have.